Leviathan (Books I and II)


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(4.6 stars; 70 reviews)

Leviathan, or The Matter, Forme and Power of a Common Wealth Ecclesiasticall and Civil, commonly called Leviathan, is a book written in 1651 by Thomas Hobbes. It is titled after the biblical Leviathan. The book concerns the structure of society (as represented figuratively by the frontispiece, showing the state giant made up of individuals), as is evidenced by the full title. In the book, Thomas Hobbes argues for a social contract and rule by a sovereign. Influenced by the English Civil War, Hobbes wrote that chaos or civil war - situations identified with a state of nature and the famous motto Bellum omnium contra omnes ("the war of all against all") - could only be averted by strong central government. He thus denied any right of rebellion toward the social contract. However, Hobbes did discuss the possible dissolution of the State. Since the social contract was made to institute a state that would provide for the "peace and defense" of the people, the contract would become void as soon as the government no longer protected its citizens. By virtue of this fact, man would automatically return to the state of nature until a new contract is made. Summary from Wikipedia. (11 hr 33 min)

Chapters

Introduction 8:28 Read by Carl Manchester
I - Of Sense 4:46 Read by Carl Manchester
II - Of Imagination 13:43 Read by Carl Manchester
III - Of the Consequence or Train of Imaginations 12:15 Read by Carl Manchester
IV - Of Speech 23:39 Read by hugh mac
V - Of Reason and Science 15:21 Read by Anna Simon
VI - Of the Interior Beginnings of Voluntary Motions, Commonly Called the Passi… 23:50 Read by Sibella Denton
VII - Of the Ends or Resolutions of Discourse 10:04 Read by Gesine
VIII - Of the Virtues Commonly Called Intellectual; and Their Contrary Defects 24:20 Read by Darren L. Slider
IX - Of the Several Subjects of Knowledge 5:34 Read by Carl Manchester
X - Of Power, Worth, Dignity, Honour and Worthiness 22:20 Read by hefyd
XI - Of the Difference of Manners 17:21 Read by hefyd
XII - Of Religion 28:07 Read by Leon Mire
XIII - Of the Natural Condition of Mankind as Concerning Their Felicity and Mis… 14:03 Read by D.E. Wittkower
XIV - Of the First and Second Natural Laws, and of Contracts 33:54 Read by D.E. Wittkower
XV - Of Other Laws of Nature 41:51 Read by D.E. Wittkower
XVI - Of Persons, Authors, and Things Personated 13:52 Read by D.E. Wittkower
XVII - Of the Causes, Generation, and Definition of a Commonwealth 10:50 Read by Anna Simon
XVIII - Of the Rights of Sovereigns by Institution 21:05 Read by Anna Simon
XIX - Of the Several Kinds of Commonwealth by Institution, and of Succession to… 24:50 Read by Anna Simon
XX - Of Dominion Paternal and Despotical 20:50 Read by Nikki Sullivan
XXI - Of the Liberty of Subjects 24:15 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
XXII - Of Systems Subject, Political and Private 30:41 Read by Leon Mire
XXIII - Of the Public Ministers of Sovereign Power 10:22 Read by Arouet
XXIV - Of the Nutrition and Procreation of a Commonwealth 14:10 Read by Anna Simon
XXV - Of Counsel 18:20 Read by Anna Simon
XXVI - Of Civil Laws 46:43 Read by Sibella Denton
XXVII - Of Crimes, Excuses, and Extenuations 43:45 Read by Smokey B.
XXVIII - Of Punishments and Rewards 21:31 Read by Ransom
XXIX - Of Those Things that Weaken or Tend to the Dissolution of a Commonwealth 28:05 Read by Cicorée
XXX - Of the Office of the Sovereign Representative 37:12 Read by Nicholas James Bridgewater
XXXI - Of the Kingdom of God by Nature 27:10 Read by Leon Mire

Reviews

helps you understand the world


(5 stars)

the purpose of this book is to give you a insight into how humans operate and works its way out to Nations. this is a great book for just getting a foundation if you're ever lost and you're trying to find some Foundation to your life, this is a good book

Well read, though I disagree with the content.


(5 stars)

The readers are good though I think the book itself is nonsense.

great book


(5 stars)

it makes you think a great deal about the current government in which one is subject.

Thank you


(5 stars)

Many thanks to the readers! Listened to the book 4 times.

well read


(5 stars)

Remarkably seamless for a multiplayer reading!


(3.5 stars)

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